, program manager of computer science and engineering in the UT College of Engineering at Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio. She has worked at the University since 2001.

“She motivates us when we stumble and congratulates us when we shine. She believes in us even when we seem to lose faith in ourselves. She gives us educational advice on study habits, testing tips, and other aspects of student life,” one nominator wrote. Another noted, “Adrienne was always a second mom to me. She not only was there for me when school was tough, she listened and provided support when I needed it the most. Even years after graduation, I make a point to stop and visit her often.”

Dr. Lynn Bachelor, associate professor of political science and public administration, and director of the Master of Public Administration Program, in the College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences. She joined the UT faculty in 1988.

“Lynn is the consummate, caring adviser. Her patience is legendary,” one nominator wrote. “Her attention to detail enables her to assist students navigating the sometimes confusing — and often frustrating — bureaucracy and procedures of many different University offices. With her assistance, students are able to find their way through the mazes and resolve their issues.” Another wrote, “She has amazing community contacts allowing the most diverse pool of internship opportunities. Dr. Bachelor is able take an educator’s passion mixed with a practitioner’s knowledge and apply those aspects to all students coming to her for advising.”

, professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering in theCollege of Engineering. He joined the UT faculty in 1984.

His research focuses on the general area of dynamics and fluid dynamics of
mechanical systems, particularly rotating systems.

“He has developed mathematical methods to improve the accuracy and stability of computational methods to study advanced propulsion systems and wind turbines. He has made significant contributions to the advancement of high-speed rotating equipment by developing experimental facilities and methods to design high-performance compressors and develop novel bearing designs to reduce the vibration, noise and weight of these systems,” one nominator noted. “He also has developed unconventional experimental facilities and approaches to understand and model flow physics in laryngeal processes, which includes development of computational modeling and a mechanical model of the vibration of vocal folds.”

Afjeh has been the principal investigator of 37 research grants and has received more than $18 million in sponsored research. These grants have allowed him to establish computational and experimental research facilities at UT.

Dr. Tim Fisher, professor and chair of environmental sciences in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He joined the University in 2003.

He studies landscape evolution during the Quaternary Period, the last 2.6 million years of Earth’s history with a focus on geologic events that occurred during the last glaciation up to modern time.

Fisher’s fieldwork activities are conducted in southern Canada, the Midwest and the Great Lakes region.

“His major scientific contributions include the paleogeography of glacial Lake Agassiz that was present in central North America at the close of the last ice age for 6,000 years until it drained into Hudson Bay as the Laurentide Ice Sheet dam melted,” one nominator wrote. “His publications describe both how water levels in Lake Michigan and the western Lake Erie basin evolved over the past 17,000 years and the activity of sand dunes along the Michigan coastline and across the Oak Openings Region that lie to the west of Toledo.”

Recipients of the Edith Rathbun Award for Outreach and Engagement are:

Dr. Sonny Ariss

, professor and chair of management in the College of Business and Innovation. He joined the UT faculty in 1985.

“For the past 28 years, Dr. Ariss has created a body of service and academic engagement in the region that is second to no one on campus. He is a highly engaged business leader who is a fellow in the Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Commercialization and has held several leadership positions, including director of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Institute designed to facilitate the growth and development of smaller enterprises in our region and responsible for the initiative and revival of 40 businesses.” Another noted, “Dr. Ariss showed me the importance of service, being a leader, being entrepreneurial in life, and making a difference in my community. His talent for linking people, projects and plans together is remarkable.”

Dr. Todd Crail, lecturer in environmental sciences in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He became a lecturer in 2012 and was a teaching assistant/research assistant at the Lake Erie Research Center and UT since 2005.

“The name ‘Todd Crail’ represents a driving force and important professional resource to local natural resource managers,” one nominator wrote. “He engages with the community to enhance his teaching and his students. His accomplishments include establishing the local chapter of Wild Ones, implementing an extensive invasive plant control at Irwin Prairie State Nature Reserve, restoring a Southview High School oak savanna, and developing nature guidebooks to inform the public of the biodiversity in their communities.” Another wrote, “He is knowledgeable, passionate and enthusiastic to mentor and teach students about conservation in this region and beyond.”

, lecturer in the Jesup W. Scott Honors College. She has been teaching at the University since 2001.

“She is an absolutely amazing teacher that goes out of her way to ensure her students’ success,” one nominator wrote. “Inside the classroom is where the magic happened. She guided a student-based discussion that led the class into interesting directions. She made sure that we were not only understanding just the material, but the true underlying meaning behind that material and how it can be applied to everyday life.” Another wrote, “Even though I have only taken Honors Readings Conference classes with her, I will always consider her one of my favorite professors, while also considering her a professor that has had a large influence in my life.”

Dr. Carol Bennett-Clarke, professor of neurosciences and associate dean for preclinical undergraduate medical education in the College of Medicine and Life Sciences. She joined the faculty in 1991.

“‘CBC,’ as we students like to call her, is an outstanding role model. Her enthusiasm for teaching always shines through, whether she’s in the gross anatomy lab helping with my dissection or explaining the specifics of the autonomic nervous system to a classroom full of students eager to hear her explanation. She is one of the most patient and supportive professors I’ve had the privilege to learn from, and her dedication to my education never goes unnoticed,” one nominator wrote. Another noted, “I could always tell she enjoys teaching by the way she presents her materials to the class. I have always admired her for her professional yet compassionate style of teaching.”
Dr. David Guip, professor of art in the College of Communication and the Arts. He began teaching at UT in 1972.

“After years of being an undecided student, I chose to declare art education as a major,” one nominator wrote. “Dr. Guip has been such an incredible and profound person in my life, guiding me professionally throughout the course of the last three years, acknowledging my hardships, and recognizing my academic abilities and achievement. It is he who believed in my abilities and his respect that helped me receive three scholarships totaling $11,500. I will forever be grateful for Dr. Guip and his profound place and leadership within my life, enabling me to fulfill my long-held dream of obtaining my bachelor’s degree in art education. Thank you most graciously, Dr. Guip, for your leadership and belief in me.”

Dr. John Laux, professor and chair of the School of Psychology, Higher Education and Counselor Education in the College of Social Justice and Human Service. He joined the UT faculty in 2001.

“My personal and professional experiences with Dr. Laux have proven that he is determined to be helpful to others in all areas of his life. He is a valuable member of the profession and a mentor for students and peers,” one nominator wrote. “I first had the opportunity to work with him while I served on the executive board for Chi Sigma Iota, our profession’s honors fraternity. He has voluntarily taken on the faculty adviser role for several years. During that time, I observed him challenge our leadership skills, encourage growth and opportunity through various experiences, and promote service as paramount to the profession.”
Dr. Sara Lundquist, associate professor and chair of English language and literature in the College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences. She started teaching at the University in 1993.

“I am an English major, but I hated poetry. Prose is what I had considered literature; poetry was, well, poetry. I had Dr. Lundquist for two classes, and I now have an understanding and a love of poetry,” one nominator wrote. “She praised me when I was in need of encouragement, and she nudged me when I needed prodding. She far exceeded her role of professor. She really cares, and she lets her students know this.” Another noted, “I must address the eagerness and joy Dr. Lundquist displays for her subject. Even a mediocre student cannot help but become infected with her excitement.”
Robert McCollough, lecturer in history in the College of Languages, Literature and Social Sciences. Col. McCullough, a former fighter pilot, joined the UT faculty in 1992.

“The only reason I am a Rocket today is because of Robert McCollough. After taking his Roman History class in spring 2007, I changed my major to history. I was already accepted to Ohio State University, ready to transfer in the fall, but he changed my mind. Nobody has ever inspired me to do what I love to do like he did,” one nominator wrote. Another wrote, “He has made me excited to learn and to develop my own thoughts and ideas. I’ve been shown that learning is not about power, but about the beauty of knowledge. Robert McCollough showed me that the act of learning is a lifelong venture.”